Alphabet Quote by Marshall McLuhan
“The alphabet was one thing when applied to clay or stone, and quite another when set down on light papyrus.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Understanding Media: The Extensions of Man, 1964
The medium changes the message; writing on durable materials differs from writing on light, portable ones.
In simple terms: Medium shapes meaning.
Key Takeaway
Consider how format influences perception.
Themes
communication
technology
media
perception
change
Mood
analytical
reflective
Type
observational
theoretical
When to use this quote
- advertising
- education
- digital publishing
- archival work
Key Concepts
semiotics
materiality
information theory
Questions to Reflect On
- How does the choice of medium affect your message?
- What mediums best suit your ideas?
A Different Perspective
The impact of medium may be overstated compared to content.
